NHTSA Proposes Mandatory Rear-View Cameras by 2014

There's not much of an argument that the field of vision out of the back of convertibles and SUVs while backing up is rather limited. A proposed law would mandate that all passenger vehicles sold in the United States must have a rear-view camera to help prevent injury to pedestrians and children.

"No matter how skilled a driver, you can't avoid hitting what you can't see" said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in a press release this morning. "By increasing your field of vision, this rule will save lives."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that each year some 300 deaths and 18,000 injuries are directly attributable to back up accidents. The agency also reports that in some 70 percent of the accidents, family members are responsible. In its ongoing pursuit to reduce automotive related injuries and fatalities, the NTHSA is proposing that rear-view cameras be installed in all passenger vehicles by 2014.

Rear-view cameras have become more of a mainstream offering over the past several years, but are often bundled with other niceties that can quickly add big money to the bottom line of an automotive purchase. In 2010, roughly 20 percent of new vehicles have rear-view cameras installed, but the NHTSA proposal will slowly require all vehicles to adopt the technology.

Following a 60-day public comment period, NHTSA will likely move forward with the mandate. Under the proposed law, all vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds sold in the United States would be required to have rear-view cameras by 2014. The three-year roll out would require all auto manufacturers to build 10 percent of their vehicles with the technology for the 2012 model year, followed by 40 percent in 2013, and all vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2014.

Although it's difficult to deny that the addition of rear-view cameras will help reduce such accidents, the additional cost associated with integrating the technology won't be welcomed by many. What are your opinions of the proposal? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.